Applicant seeking server's license cites rehabilitation; Brookhaven alcohol board moves to executive session

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — The Brookhaven Alcohol Board on Nov. 29 heard an appeal from an applicant whose permit application was denied because of past drug convictions. Major Donald Chase of the Brookhaven Police Department said the applicant’s record showed arrests in June 2013 and June 2014 for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, guilty findings and seven‑year confinement sentences; under the local ordinance the board had grounds to deny a permit within five years of conviction or completion of parole/probation.

Major Donald Chase told the board: "My name is Major Donald Chase with Brookhaven Police Department. ... Mister Solis applied for a alcohol beverage serving permit, was denied based on the fact that he was arrested June 2013, charged with possession of methamphetamine with attempted distribute." He said the dispositions and dates in the court record led to the denial under the ordinance.

The applicant, identified in the hearing record as "Mister Solis" (the chair used an alternate rendering, "Mister Salas" during the session), addressed the board and described a history of addiction, in‑custody rehabilitation and efforts to re‑enter the workforce. He said he completed RSAT and other classes while incarcerated, earned a firefighter certification, and that he had been offered work at Poncho's Mexican Restaurant, which he said knows of his criminal history.

"I completed every possible class you can think of to deal with my substance abuse issue," the applicant said in testimony. "I don't want anything to do with anything that's illegal ... I'll pay my debt to society."

A family member reached by phone urged the board to grant a chance. On the speaker phone the witness said: "Roberta is a very sweet guy ... He paid for his mistake ... I hope they give him a chance." The board confirmed the applicant was released on Nov. 13 and was still on probation, with an estimated probation end date discussed during the hearing occurring around 2028 based on statements in the record.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the exact disposition dates, how long probation would remain in effect and whether the potential employer required a server's license for the applicant to work. The applicant said he had worked some shifts at Poncho's and was seeking a server's license; he also described ongoing participation in RSAT and AA meetings.

After hearing testimony and asking follow‑up questions, the chair moved that the board enter executive session for deliberation. The board voted in favor and moved into executive session; the public portion of the transcript ends without a recorded final decision on the permit.

The board previously approved minutes from its Nov. 8 and Nov. 16 meetings earlier in the session. No further public votes or final action on the applicant’s appeal were recorded in the transcript provided.